Blackjack table

Hard 14 against a dealer King is a losing stand, and surrender isn't allowed, so hitting is the basic-strategy play.

Hard 16 against a dealer 6 is a basic-strategy stand, since the dealer is likely to bust. Doubling or hitting risks more chips than the position is worth.

A hard 18 against a dealer 8 is a strong standing hand, and hitting or doubling risks busting into a weak total. Standing is the basic-strategy play here.

A hard 9 against a dealer Ace is a weak double, and standing on 9 loses to most dealer outcomes, so hitting is the better play.

Hard 19 is a strong total that beats most dealer outcomes, and the dealer shows an ace, so taking another card risks busting for little gain.

Hard 12 against a dealer 2 with the dealer standing on soft 17 is a basic-strategy hit, since standing on 12 against a weak upcard loses more often than taking one card. Doubling is not favorable with 12 here.

Hard 9 against a dealer King is a weak double spot, so basic strategy calls for hitting to improve the hand.

Hard 19 against a dealer king is a strong stand, since any hit risks busting on the 6-card-heavy shoe with little upside. Standing keeps the bet at expected value near break-even or better.

Hard 14 against a dealer 7 is a losing stand, and doubling is only worthwhile with 10 or 11, so basic strategy says hit.

Hard 8 against a dealer 4 is a clear hit; doubling 8 is a poor expectation here, and a hit gives room to improve without busting on one card.

Hard 13 against a dealer 4 is a basic-strategy stand, since the dealer is weak and busting is likely. Hitting risks busting on most of the high cards left in the shoe.

Hard 9 against a dealer 6 is a strong doubling spot in basic strategy, and the dealer's weak upcard makes a single extra card with doubled stake the highest-EV play.

Hard 20 is a strong standing total, and the dealer's upcard of ten gives a weak chance of beating it by hitting. Standing keeps the lead and avoids busting.

Hard 17 against a dealer 3 is a stand, since the dealer shows a weak upcard and doubling with 17 here does not earn enough extra expected value to justify the added risk.

Soft 14 against a dealer 6 is a strong double spot under basic strategy, since the dealer's weak upcard gives this hand a good chance to win extra chips.

A hard 17 against a dealer King is a stand under basic strategy, since the dealer busts often enough and a hit risks busting on most cards. Doubling is not worth the extra risk here.

Hard 17 against a dealer 6 is a stand under basic strategy, since the dealer is likely to bust. Doubling is not worth the extra risk on a hard 17.

Hard 11 is the strongest doubling hand, and the dealer's King upcard leaves them weak, so doubling for one more card maximizes expected value.

Hard 19 against a dealer 3 is a clear stand; doubling or hitting risks busting against a weak dealer upcard that often busts.

Hard 13 against a dealer 8 is a hit under basic strategy, since standing on 13 loses to most dealer totals and a single card can't bust a hand this low.

Hard 14 against a dealer Jack is a losing stand, and doubling is not favorable here, so hitting is the basic-strategy play.

A hard 18 against a dealer 10 is a stand, since the dealer's likely 20 beats a hit that busts often. Standing keeps the 10-chip bet.